Hot Shower Kit 2.0 - with Autoherm heater + combiBOIL with Comfort Boiler Control

Hot Shower Kit 2.0

The original by tigerexped - but now even better!

The Hot Shower Kit is the simple way to equip travel vehicles or boats & yachts with an air heater and simultaneous hot water. Unlike technically complex combination devices, the kit consisting of two individual devices is more cost-effective, but above all, it is less prone to failures. And if necessary, it can even be repaired when travelling.

The strength of the Hot Shower Kit lies in its simplicity, and the two main elements (heater and boiler) working separately from each other. Defects in one component do not automatically affect the other. A defect in the boiler is unlikely due to the high material and processing quality with high pressure resistance - but should damage occur, for whatever reason, the heating continues to run completely unimpressed and that's a good thing.. Because not being able to take a hot shower is one side of the coin - spending the night in a completely cooled-down vehicle at possibly -20 degrees Celsius is the other.

So, the Hot Shower Kit 2.0 is a simply designed and easy-to-install system. Therefore, it's perfect for a diy campervanconversion, but of course also for the professional manufacturer who wants to offer their customers a reliable and maintenance-friendly solution for their travels.

How Does the Hot Shower Kit 2.0 Work

The Hot Shower Kit 2.0 can generate hot water in three different ways:

• Through an electric heating element, meaning via electricity when you have sufficient reserves or are connected to shore power.
• Simply while the air heater is running - completely without consuming additional energy. Hot water is a "by-product" here!
• NEW: The boiler can be integrated into the engine's coolant circuit in order to heat either the domestic water or a second water loop. Conversely, the engine can also be preheated to make starting more gentle (not suitable for use in arctic temperature areas).

Each of these three options has its advantages and can be used when it fits best. After several days of self-sufficient camping in hot weather, for example, you probably don't want to run the heater, nor is the water heated from driving. However, if it's too warm for the heater, there is likely solar energy available, meaning enough power in the batteries to generate hot water through the electric heating element.

This kit offers the perfect solution in every situation by combining these three options.
 

The options for integration into the coolant circuit are as follows:

• Coolant circuit heats domestic water: In this configuration, the coolant circuit is connected to the boiler, and while driving, it heats domestic water for shower and other uses. (Caution: As the coolant temperatures can rise above 100°C due to pressure, overheating of the boiler must be prevented through a valve or by shutting off the circulation pump!)
• Boiler preheats the coolant circuit (engine): This means the reverse of the above function. By connecting the boiler to a 230V/110V power source or using warm air from the heater, the engine's coolant can be preheated.
• Heating a second water loop: In this setup, energy led into the boiler via the electric heating element or warm air is fed into a second water circuit using a circulation pump. It's also possible to connect both water circuits (so that the engine's coolant circuit heats the second water loop). However, precautions must be taken regarding the outlet temperature from the engine.

NEW: Integration of a Second Water Loop

With combiBOIL, it is possible to operate a second water loop with hot water. This allows, for example, the implementation of underfloor heating or towel radiators to more easily dry wet clothing and towels inside the vehicle.

Note that the water must then be circulated by a circulation pump.
 

What Do You Get with the Hot Shower Kit 2.0

The Hot Shower Kit 2.0 consists of two main components (heater and boiler) and materials to connect them and install them in a way that creates a perfectly functioning system.
 

The Heater

The diesel heaters from Autoterm, using the two models Air 2D and Air 4D for our Hot Shower Kit, have become indispensable for travel vehicles, boats, and yachts. For many years, the robust heating devices from the Latvian manufacturer have proven themselves and enjoy an excellent reputation.

Important for self-builders: The installation can be done by laypersons without voiding warranty (the manufacturer's instructions for installation must be observed! A case of damage must be checked with the seller and complaint to Autoterm made by him). Additionally, the heating devices bear an e-mark, which means that installation does not need to be approved by TÜV.

Autoterm heaters are fuel-efficient and quiet in operation. For even less noise, you can refer to our separately available Schlafgut Silencer.

More information about the heaters can be found in the respective product descriptions for Autoterm Air 2D and Autoterm Air 4D. Also, read this article (German language only by now) about the significance of the 2 x 2 kW heating power set (Twin Kit), which provides valuable information for choosing the right heating size.

Please select the appropriate heater (based on heating power and onboard voltage) for your project from the dropdown menu.
 

The Boiler - tigerexped & Autoterm combiBOIL

NEW AND IMPROVED: The new combiBOIL hot water boiler is an unrivaled quality product, made in Western Europe, and it's the only one with an integrated thermostat in the versions with heating elements for 230/110V operation (an optional thermostat module for 12/24V operation will be available shortly).

combiBOIL can be monitored and regulated via the Autoterm Heater control panel: For the first time, the heater can now automatically regulate the temperature of the boiler through the corresponding settings on the control panel. The use of a manually operated control flap to redirect warm air before reaching the boiler becomes unnecessary for most applications. This effectively prevents overheating with dangerous steam generation in the boiler. Only in cases of extremely high heating requirements (e.g., arctic temperatures with suboptimal insulation) a control flap is still useful.

An automatic frost protection can also be set on the control panel: If the water temperature drops to 2°C, the heater automatically heats the water to +15°C and the ambient air to +7°C. For winter storage, of course, the water should be drained from the system, which is possible through a dedicated drain valve on the boiler. However, if the vehicle is left unattended for a short period, this function can prevent the need to make the entire system frost-proof with a lot of effort. With the Hot Shower Kit 2.0, it will still be effectively protected against frost damage.

The combiBOIL hot water boiler is available with 7L, 9L, and 12L volume. Our recommendation: 7L is sufficient for two people. The water heated in the boiler can reach a temperature of 80°C (depending on the heating method). By mixing in cold water, significantly more than 7L of comfortably warm shower water will be available in the end.

Keep in mind: More volume not only has advantages. More volume requires more space, the heating time also increases with higher volume, and heating, especially in the case of electric heating, consumes more energy. Lastly, a corresponding amount of water must be carried and collected in a wastewater tank. An unnecessary excess of power and volume quickly becomes a disadvantage.

We recommend the 9L boiler for three or more people, and the 12L boiler for four or more people.

For more details about the boiler itself, see VAR35926.

Please select the appropriate size and Power for your project from the dropdown menu.

What Else Is Included

The heater comes with an installation kit and control panel:

• Heating unit(s) as selected (with 2kW, 4kW, or 2x2kW heating power for 12V or 24V onboard voltage),
• Ready-to-use wiring harness with AMP SuperSeal connectors,
• Stainless steel exhaust muffler (17 x 9 x 5 cm),
• Fuel pump,
• Air intake silencer (for the heating burner, not the hot air!),
• Fuel line,
• Comprehensive assortment of small parts for installation.
• Control panel Autoterm Comfort Boiler Control, which can regulate both the heater and the boiler. For information about available heating modes, see Autoterm Comfort Control Standard.

The detailed specifications for the available heating units can be found in the product descriptions: Autoterm Air 2D with 2kW / Air 4D with 4kW.
 

• 1x combiBOIL hot water boiler with 7L, 9L, or 12L capacity, with stainless steel tank and heat exchanger

(For all specifications, dimensions, and a detailed description, see combiBOIL hot water boiler)

Additionally Required for Your Installation (depending on your project)

Every vehicle is different, so some things cannot simply be included in the package. Depending on the situation, installation location, etc., you'll need to select what's suitable for your specific land or water vehicle.
 

Heater Mount / Installation Flange

The heater can be installed without a mount, but this is more complex and comes with the risk that the hole pattern might not match precisely, creating tensions or inadequate heat dissipation. Therefore, it's generally advisable to use a mount or our installation flange, which simultaneously simplifies the installation process and provides good thermal isolation.

Mounts are available in different designs for various floor thicknesses or for installing the heater in a box. For the Hot Shower Kit, a mount like this one is typically used. However, in the Heater Accessories section, you can also find mounts for other special applications.
 

Water Hoses

Similar to mounts, the situation with hose lines in the water system is individual for every vehicle. Calculate the length of both hot and cold water hoses once you've determined the installation positions for the heater, boiler, and all other water system components, and order accordingly.

Important:
If the water is intended for drinking or cooking, we strongly recommend looking for the appropriate certification of the hoses. This ensures that no harmful substances transfer to the drinking water and that the material does not alter the taste and composition of the water.

Drinking water-certified hose lines are available here for both hot and cold water.

In our range, you'll also find water filters for disinfection and safe drinking water consumption at any destination. For help in choosing the right filter, take a look at our online magazine's filter selection guide (German language only by now).
 

Pressure Regulator

Our boiler tank is made of high-quality stainless steel and is precisely crafted. However, the input pressure should be limited to 1.5 bar.

In all pressurized water systems, as well as systems with immersion pumps with built-in or separate check valves, a pressure regulator should definitely be used in front of the boiler. It should be set to 1 to 1.5 bar. You can find pressure regulators with a pressure gauge or without pressure gauge under the following links.

By the way, the Warm Shower Kit 2.0 comes with a built-in safety valve that releases excess pressure, so there's no need to purchase it separately.
 

Water Pump

A decent pump provides the necessary pressure and circulation in the system. It must be strong enough to ensure good and even flow even when water is being filtered, allowing for a smooth operation of the water system. Longevity and reparability are also important factors. You can get this pump and a suitable accumulator tank to make the pressure water system even smoother and calmer as a bundle at a discounted price.